History in the transition

Now that we have a new administration coming into office, we may see a new direction for federal history and culture organizations, or at least some new faces. Bruce Cole, the head of the NEH, has announced his resignation as of January. He will become director of the fledgling American Revolution Center in Valley Forge. Cole, a Bush appointee, was confirmed twice to become the longest-serving head of the organization–he originated some great projects like the digital humanities initiative. In related news from the National Coalition for History is the composition of Obama transition team for our federal cultural heritage organizations, NARA, NEH, NEA, and IMLS. It includes Bill Ivey, the folklorist and former NEA head, as well as some tech experts to review the NARA transition. Any speculations on who might be appointed to fill the top spot at NEH?